US Lifts Limits on Flights From AIFA and AICM to US Cities

Mexico City — The US Department of Transportation (DOT) revoked the restrictions that prevented Mexican airlines from launching new flights to US territory from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM).

The decision takes effect immediately and reopens the possibility for Mexican carriers to develop new routes and add frequencies from both airports to the US market. It also repeals Order 213-2, under which the DOT had restricted existing, proposed and future operations by Mexican airlines.

What restriction was lifted?

The curbs stemmed from decisions taken by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador during his 2018-2024 administration, when his government cut operations at the AICM and suspended cargo flights there. The official argument was that the capital’s main airport needed to reduce saturation, but the presidential decrees helped launch the AIFA and fueled its rapid rise as one of the country’s most important air cargo terminals.

With the limits now gone, Mexican airlines can again draw up proposals to open new routes and increase service from the AIFA and the AICM to the United States.

Why the US revoked the restrictions

The DOT said the Mexican government addressed most of Washington’s demands, including the return of operating slots at the AICM to US companies.

“Since May, the Department has closely monitored the SICT’s efforts to comply with the commitments set out in the Memorandum of Consultations,” the agency said in the document obtained by El Financiero.

It added that the Communications and Transport Ministry (SICT) has confirmed that US airlines may apply for slot assignments for cargo operations at MEX, the AICM’s airport code.

The Mexican government attributed the decision to dialogue and technical cooperation between the two countries, a process it said was strengthened by the Memorandum of Consultations signed in May.

“This determination is the result of a process of dialogue and technical cooperation between the governments of Mexico and the United States, strengthened by the Memorandum of Consultations signed in May,” the SICT said in a statement. “Since then, Mexico has made progress on the agreed commitments.”

The ministry said Mexico will continue working with US authorities to strengthen air connectivity and create opportunities for passengers, workers and airlines.